Pacific Crest Academy

Parent's Club Update 09-21-11

2011-09-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

You won't want to miss the first Parents Club meeting of the year, tonight in the parish hall. Childcare is available for the low low price of $5 per family, what a deal! You must RSVP with Dawna in the office if you plan on utilizing the new and improved "Kids Club", so please contact the office asap so that we have enough "camp counselors" to make this first event a success. Children will be provided with pizza along with many fun and exciting activities throughout the evening.

Food, beverages, and fellowship will run from 6:00 until 6:30 with the meeting and business starting promptly at 6:30 with the agenda below. Q&A will be available at the end of the meeting as time allows, however if you have anything additional that you'd like added to the agenda please contact Jeanette Rafferty.

Agenda

· Parents Club Board & 2011/2012 Goals

· “Kids Club”

· New Budget Process & Reporting

· Changes to Volunteer Opportunities

· Update on Gala Technology Paddle Raise

· Important Golf Tournament Update

· Guest Speaker – Jamie Teasdale

· RCIA

· Q&A

· Drawing and prizes!

Mrs. Parker's Message 09-23-11

2011-09-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

Dear PCA Parents,

It is that time of year again to help out with the KBVM Share-a-thon. KBVM (88.3 FM) is the local Catholic radio station located on the campus of the University of Portland. They have been generous supporters of PCA allowing us the opportunity to promote PCA, our mission, and our annual hallmark Saint’s Museum live on the air. For the past three years, and again this year, students are allowed to share what they learned about their Saint from the actual radio booth. We in turn have shown our support by providing help during the Share-a-thon that happens in the fall and the spring. We only need four volunteers to fulfill this commitment and your volunteer hours can be logged towards your 40 hour requirement. Thank you for your support.

Due to unforeseen circumstances Mrs. K’s Doctor has ordered her to be on bed rest effective immediately for the remainder of her pregnancy. She was not expecting this and is very sad to have to leave early. However what is most important is the health of her and her precious little one. We ask for your prayers, love, and support for her through this difficult time. Mrs. Kathleen Tomassi will be filling in for her until she returns.

I want to thank all of the families for observing the 25 mile per hour speed limit on the side streets. I have not heard any more from our neighbors. I am sure they appreciate your being safe & respectful by slowing down.

Remember that the Jog-a-Thon is quickly approaching. It is on Monday, October 3^rd. If we meet our goal of raising $10,000 we have a special reward of a popcorn & a movie night and NO HOMEWORK for ALL students. Packets were sent home last week in your Friday folder to help collect pledges. Go Knights!

Please remember the Safe Environment Training Class must be completed by all parents who wish to volunteer at PCA. If you’ve already taken the class in a prior year, you do not need to attend this year’s training but will need to complete paperwork which will be sent home next week.

The teachers had an inspirational morning last Friday at our Teacher Excellence Day hosted at Seton. We spent the morning via webcast listening to Father Robert J. Spitzer. His talk focused on the Spiritual Dynamics of Catholic Education. The second part of his talk included the beatitudes and the realization that they reveal God’s great love for us and our salvation is through living them out. Father Spitzer said that if you want to fully understand just how unconditionally loving and forgiving our God is, read the parable of the prodigal son. Then reflect upon the father’s rejoicing of his son who was lost but was found again. The parable of the prodigal son can be found in Luke 15:11-32.

In closing I would like to share one of the quotes from his talk that inspired me. ”God’s will is perfectly loving and his plan is to optimize love, goodness, and salvation through us.”

Have a great weekend.

In Christ,

Mrs. Parker

Box Tops & Soup Labels Fundraising

2011-09-21T15:09:00.000-07:00

Earn cash for PCA every time you shop for groceries. Clip Box Top coupons from your favorite grocery products. Each coupon is worth 10¢ when redeemed. Visit boxtops4education.com for a current list of participating brands or look on the side of the package for a coupon like those shown below. Cambells participating brands include: Campbell's, Pepperidge Farm, Franco-American, Prego, V8** and Swanson.

How to help:

Send* your clipped box tops, Campbells UPC symbols, and V8** caps to PCA in your Friday Folders or via your classroom box. PCA will send them as a group to Box Tops for Education and twice each year PCA receives a check in return (up to a maximum of $20,000)

*Box Tops Expire so please submit often. **Save caps from V8 juices.

What will the money be used for?

We redeem our points or cash for items such as playground equipment or art supplies.

Parent's Club Update 09-16-11

2011-09-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

Introducing PCA Kids Club!

As families enrolled at Pacific Crest Academy, you are automatically members of the PCA Parents Club. Well now you can give your children the opportunity to join the PCA Kids Club! We are thrilled to launch this exciting program at our first Parents Club meeting of the year, next Friday September the 23rd.

Kids Club will be a fun and exciting "revamped" childcare option available to families, so that everyone will have the opportunity to attend our Parents Club meetings. Our new format will be much more structured than childcares of the past. It will include structured activities around our "Race for Grace" campaign, a more formal check-in and check-out process and groupings for children by age group so that older children aren't hanging out with the preschool kids.

This amazing childcare option only costs $5 per family and includes pizza for the children!! What a deal!! The $5 is mandatory and you must reserve a spot in advance with the office to ensure that we have enough Kids Club counselors and supplies for activities.

Look for more information in next week's Friday Folder and Forum!

Pizza Servers Needed

As you now, we are offering a new pizza option this year on Thursdays from Godfathers pizza. We are hoping that the kids like this option better than they did last year's choice. Fortunately Godfather's is delivering to us for free each week, however we do need 1-2 folks available on Thursdays to serve the kids.

Being with the kids is so much fun and this is an easy way to log those volunteers hours. Lunch on Thursdays is at noon and all that is required is checking a pre-written list and passing out slices accordingly as the children arrive. It's as simple as that! Please contact Parents Club if you are interested in helping out with Pizza Thursdays!

Room Parent Training

Thank you to parents who have signed up to be Room Parents this year! Parents Club provided training and materials for room parents this week and everyone is exciting about taking on this fun and fulfilling role We still have spots open for 5th and 6th grades, so if you are interested and maybe have questions about what it takes and the time requirements, please do not hesitate to ask. One important side note for returning families, is that Room Parents are NOT responsible for Gala Art Projects this year. :) Please contact Jeanette Rafferty if you are interested.

After-school programs

This year we are offering art, choir, science and finance options. All classes take place in the classrooms immediately after the school day end - which means you don’t have to pick up and drive your child to another activity. Just pick up your child later from school.

Finance Class

2011-09-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in business and money? Junior Achievement offers a great program called JA BizTown. This program is geared toward students in Grades 4-6. Students learn how to run a business through interactive activities with this award-winning and nationally-recognized curriculum.

Mad Science

2011-09-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

Mad Science on Wednesdays, a weekly science lesson where students learn about molecules, robots, space technology and much more.

After School Choir Practice

2011-09-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

Choir practice with Ms. Dayton:

Mondays 3:00 - 3:45 PM
Grades 3 and above
meet in Ms. Dayton's classroom after school and travel as a class to the Parish Hall for practice
pick up children at Parish Hall
If not picked up by 4:00, students will be taken to daycare (Parent's charged).

For more information contact Ms. Dayton.

St. Thomas Knights of Columbus Used Glasses Drive

2011-09-15T15:09:00.001-07:00

The Knights are also helping the "Lions Club of Washougal" with their Used Glasses drive. Used Glasses are being collected and sent to Third World Countries and refitted for the poor. Collection boxes are in the Fireside Room and downstairs in the church hall from now until mid-November 2011.

St. Thomas Knights of Columbus Homeless Veterans Program

2011-09-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

The Saint Thomas Knights of Columbus is helping to support the "Homeless Veterans Program" by helping provide needed items to homeless veterans. The current list of needs are furniture, bedding & clothing, kitchen & bathroom items, cleaning supplies & paper products, personal hygiene & dental products. If you are able to donate any of these items, please contact Earle Putnam .

St. Thomas Consolation Apostolate Ministry

2011-09-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

This outreach program offers assistance and support to families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. If you are interested in helping out with this group, please contact Jeanne Donnelly in the parish office. 834-2126

St. Thomas Coffee Hour Job Description

2011-09-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

We need volunteers to help host hospitality after all St Thomas masses on the following Sundays:

Oct 30th
January 29th
April 29th
July 29th

Choose one date for the year or help with all 4. Partner up with friends and other families within the parish, pick up some donuts and greet people in the hall after masses. Fun and easy and your school hours count! Please contact Jeanette Rafferty.

Yearbook Coordinator Job Description

2011-09-15T14:30:00.001-07:00

Obtain photos from parents and staff throughout the year and after major school events in order to create the 2011/2012 yearbook. An online program will be made available that is easy to use and can be added to throughout the year. This is a great opportunity for individuals who need hours that can be logged from home! Please contact Jeanette Rafferty for more details.

Thursday Pizza Servers

2011-09-15T14:26:00.001-07:00

Arrive at noon on Thursdays until around 1 PM to help serve pizza to children who have ordered for the week. A pre-prepared list will be provided by the office. Servers needs to check the list and provide slice(s) to children as they arrive in the parish hall. On occasion pizza will need to be walked over to the individual classrooms.

Please contact Jeanette Rafferty if you are interested.

Mrs. Parker's Message 09-16-11

2011-09-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,

Ready, Set, Go! It is time to get ready for Pacific Crest Academy’s third annual Jog-a-Thon on Monday, October 3^rd. This is the first year PCA is holding our Jog-a-Thon in the fall. It’s a fun event that allows our students to participate in raising funds that go directly to supporting their education at Pacific Crest Academy. The school spirit surrounding this day is inspiring. Every class will be cheering each other on every step of the way. Parents are invited to volunteer or participate in cheering on the students as well. In this week’s Friday folder you will be receiving an envelope with a few pages included to help you obtain pledges with ease. Our goal is to raise $10,000 dollars. If every student were to collect $100 dollars we would reach our goal. If our school reaches that goal we have a very special surprise planned for the students they are sure to LOVE. Go PCA!

Safe Environment Training must be completed by all parents who volunteer at PCA. Training will be made available Thursday, Sept. 22 and Thursday, Oct. 6 in the Parish Hall beginning at 6:00 pm and lasting no more than two hours. Childcare will not be provided. All parents must complete training before volunteering in the classroom. If you’ve already taken the class you do not need to attend this year’s training. Information regarding renewal will be sent home by the end of this month.

We have received complaints from neighbors that cars are speeding on 5^th and 6^th street. Please be respectful of our surrounding neighbors and observe the 25 mile per hour speed limit. Thank you.

The safety of your children is always our number one priority. If you have not yet sent in your child’s emergency kit please do so as soon as possible. Being prepared is key. Thank you for your help in this matter.

The PCA staff is looking forward to attending Teacher Excellence Day this Friday. It is an opportunity for us to come together with other Catholic Schools in the Southern Deanery. This event will be held at Seton Catholic High School. In attendance will be staff from St. Josephs, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Rose from Longview, Seton and PCA. The theme for this year is, The Spiritual Dynamic of Catholic Education. Father Robert J. Spitzer will be the keynote speaker.

I wish all of you a wonderful three day weekend.

In Christ,

Mrs. Parker

Emergency Kit

2011-09-15T14:06:00.001-07:00

PCA Emergency Kit

Please return the following items in a single ONE GALLON SIZE Zip Lock Storage Bag clearly marked with your child’s name on the front.

*Emergency Kit Information

A primary concern of our school staff is the safety and well being of our students. In the event of a major natural disaster, extended lock down, or other severe emergency, all students will be kept at school until they can be safely released. The school could be caring for your child(ren) for several hours or more. These kits will be stored together along with additional emergency items. PLEASE BE SURE TO ALSO INCLUDE IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFORMATION IN YOUR CHILD’S KIT AND ANY ADDITIONAL ITEMS THEY MAY NEED, i.e. EpiPen.

Purchase items with longest expiration dates

2 granola bars/Cliff bars/Power bars

2 small bags of nuts/dried fruit

1 plastic bottle of juice (no larger than 16 oz. and no boxes)

1 16 oz. bottle of water

1 dust mask

2 large garbage bags ( to help protect them from the elements if outdoors)

1 small toy or comfort item

1 comfort letter from parent to child, along with a family photo

1 pair of underwear (optional, but good idea for younger children)

1 small first aid kit (purchase at Safeway or Wal-Mart)

1 small note card with emergency contact numbers

1 glow stick

*We realize children with special diets or allergies will need to adjust their kit accordingly.

Do not include any item that needs cooking or refrigeration. No glass or combustible items. No boxed drinks. EVERYTHING must fit into a ONE gallon size storage bag. If you would like to prepare an extra bag for a student who is unable to supply one, please feel free to do so and mark the bag EXTRA. Kits will be stored in your student’s classroom.

KBVM hosts Pacific Crest Academy 'Saints Museum' Live!

2011-09-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

Keep your ears tuned to 88.3 FM KBVM to hear a preview of Pacific Crest Academy's Saints Museum between 8-9 AM on 10/31/11. A group of lucky students will be chosen by the staff to give their Saint's information live on the air.

Want to help keep the KBVM & PCA relationship going strong? Please help at the KBVM Sharathon.

Jog-a-Thon 2011

2011-09-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

I’m sure that you have all settled in to your new fall routines, having embraced all of the excitement of returning to school. Our traditional PCA Jog A Thon is now being held in the fall, Monday, October 3^rd, so keep your eyes open for pledge packets coming home to you in your ‘Friday Folder’ (arriving to you ironically on Thursday, September 15^th).

There will be prizes for the most laps run, the most monies raised and for the class who raises the most in pledges. This is always a fun event filled with excited kids from every class - PK to eighth grade – running their legs off with their hearts full of PCA pride!

Our goal for fundraising is $100 per student!! That’s only five $20 pledges, and if you can get more, do!! NEW THIS YEAR is the opportunity for businesses to sponsor each class and sponsor the school. Forms with details will be coming home soon, but each class that gets a sponsor will have a plaque with their sponsor’s name in their classroom and get their sponsorship put on our website and Facebook site!!!

I could use some more helpers on the day of the event to count laps and pour water for thirsty runners. I also have a need for someone to track the pledges by student and by class. The tracking is a great opportunity for someone looking to log some volunteer hours at home!

Watch for details in the Friday (Thursday) folder today!

In Christ,

Heather Deringer

Jog A Thon Chair

Teacher Excellence Day

2011-09-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Parker's Message 09-09-11

2011-09-08T14:36:00.001-07:00

Dear PCA Families,

The teachers are moving full speed ahead delving into curriculum and getting the year started. I observed one of our teachers using their document camera to teach a math lesson this week. It was incredible to see what this new technology adds to the learning environment. This amazing teaching tool provides infinite possibilities for educating your children. I want to thank all the parents and teachers who graciously donated money to make this technology available to the teachers and students. We are blessed to have a community so supportive of their children’s education.

PCA students and staff celebrated the Blessed Virgin Mary’s birthday on Thursday with a special prayer service held at the Marian Grotto. Each grade wrote a special prayer intention to present and lay in front of the Mary statue. The seventh and eighth grade helped lead the entire student body in praying a decade of the rosary. All students sang songs to honor our Blessed Mother. It was beautiful to see how attentive and reverent the students were.

Information regarding Emergency Kits can be found in this week’s Friday folder. Please take the time to put this important kit together and return it to your child(s) classroom as soon as possible. The safety and well-being of your children is our number one priority.

Safe Environment Training must be completed by all parents who volunteer at the school. Training will be made available Thursday Sept. 22 and Thursday Oct. 6 in the Parish Hall beginning at 6:00 pm and lasting no more than two hours. Childcare will not be provided. All parents must complete training before volunteering in the classroom. Information regarding renewal for those who have already participated in the class will be sent home soon.

Thank you to all parents who attended Curriculum Night on Thursday. I hope you found it to be informative. Pacific Crest Academy recognizes the parents as the primary educators of their children. Working in partnership we can provide the very best spiritual and educational experience for your children.

I leave you with the beautiful prayer of the Memorare to honor our Blessed Virgin Mary:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Sincerely in Christ,
Mrs. Tamar Parker

Safe Environment Training "Called To Protect"

2011-09-08T14:31:00.000-07:00

Safe Environment Training, "Called to Protect" must be completed by all parents who volunteer at PCA it is mandatory. All parent volunteers must complete the training before volunteering in the classroom, as a coach, or anything related to being in / around children. All parent volunteers must renew their certificates each year, although renewing parents may opt for the short video (viewable online) and questionnaire to be sent home in the Friday Folders by the end of September. First time volunteers must attend the class in person.

The class consists of watching 2 half-hour DVD's, receiving class handouts of bulleted highlights, Q & A, and receiving a certificate of completion kept on file at PCA.

Two classes offered: Thursday Sept. 22 -or- Thursday Oct. 6 in the Parish Hall, 6-8 PM.
Childcare will not be provided

Spotlight on the Diamond Tea: Testimonials

2011-09-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

Invitations for The Diamond Tea went out this week and we hope that you have had an opportunity to purchase your tickets* for this inspiring event. This is the third year that this event benefiting PCA has been put on and several of us have had the pleasure of attending. Please see below to read what PCA moms have said about this amazing event in previous years.

*If you are having trouble buying tickets online, checks can be delivered to the PCA office.

From the 2009 Tea
“Wow...what an amazing event! All I can say is: Let's inspire to aspire before we expire!! I am writing this email with the biggest smile on my face because you have inspired ME! Totally fun event...Kristen and I had a blast. Have a wonderful weekend.”
Nelly

“What a fantastic event you put together!! I felt pampered and feminine and laughed and cried and was motivated and inspired. I just wanted to send a quick note to you to let you know just how terrific I thought everything was. I am genuinely looking forward to Tea 2010.”
Heather

From the 2010 Tea
“Thank YOU, What a beautiful event! I was proud to be there and even more proud to be somewhat associated with it. Thank you, thank you, many times thank you!
Thank you to Habitat for Humanity for partnering with Pacific Crest Academy for two years now. We are blessed to mutually support one another. Thank you everyone for all your efforts as well. Without everyone's help, this would not have been so beautifully pulled together! Congratulations!“
Brandy

“It was beautiful, fun, very successful, and thought provoking This event was tremendously well advertised and very well planned and executed. I think all of the women there must have enjoyed themselves and felt it was well worth their time and money - that's huge on a busy Saturday. God Bless!”
Kathleen

“Once again I was blown away by the beauty, energy, excitement and love that was shown at the tea yesterday. What a great day for PCA, Habitat and women in general. I brought three women to the event and they all had nothing but praise for everything – food, speaker, atmosphere, prizes, etc. They commented on the details – the color scheme, the beautiful response cards, the goody bags. I am so proud and honored to be in the company of wonderful, beautiful women I admire and respect.”
Christina
So many women have been touched by this beautiful afternoon of philanthropy and empowerment. Women who may be in different places in their lives, come from different backgrounds and have different hopes and goals. You will no doubt come away with something that you didn’t come in with, and all the while having had fun with the gals and being inspired. Please check out the website for the event, http://www.thediamondtea.com/ and ask previous attendees about this event that you definitely want to be a part of. I love to talk about the event myself and how it has personally touched me, so come find me to hear more about it!
Jeanette

Take a moment to invite your sister, mother or best friend. Ticket sales end September 22nd. This is not an event for young children; however, there will be a wonderful opportunity for PCA female students in grades 3-8 to serve as ushers at this event. Please stay tuned for upcoming information about signing your daughter up as an usher in the Forum Volunteer Opportunities section!

Parent's Club Update

2011-09-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Subway and Pizza Offerings Launch Next WeekSubway Tuesday’s and Pizza Thursday’s are launching next week! Order forms are going out in today’s Friday Folder and they are due back to the office no later than Monday morning September 12th. It is imperative that you return them Monday morning in your folders, late orders will not be processed this month due to time constraints for next week.

These two weekly offerings are not only a nice alternative lunch choice for our children, they are also mini fundraisers for the Parents Club. There is a very small margin of profit built into the already great prices of these lunch choices. Parents Club funds are used to help subsidize Parents Club events, teacher appreciation and Gala tickets and general supplies

Sub sandwiches are coming from Subway and we are switching to Godfather’s Pizza this year. Godfather’s offers a Gluten Free choice. The gluten free dough is actually shipped in from a different facility and the pizza is prepared in a different area. No sides or drinks are provided with either the sandwiches or the pizza, so please be sure to send in any ‘extras’ that your child prefers and a drink on the days that you are participating.

Please be sure to make checks payable to PCA Parents Club for your Subway/Pizza orders.

Jeanette & Eric Rafferty
Parents Club Presidents

Subway / Pizza Order Form

2011-09-07T16:01:00.000-07:00

Jog-a-Thon Job Descriptions

2011-09-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

~~Chair~~ Filled

~~· Organizes all other volunteers~~

~~· Works with Dir. Of Marketing / Development~~

~~· Gets Donated Prizes~~

~~· Expected Hours 10~~

Database Diva/ Dude

· Catalogs all stats from laps to money, can be done at home following Jog a Thon

· We already have a template that can be updated for this year

· Expected Hours 5

~~Packets Premier~~ Filled

~~· Copies and assembles the initial packets for teachers/ students (packet group #1)~~

~~· During jog a thon: Counts tally sheets and sends out number of laps information for $$ collection information and thank you’s (packet group #2)~~

~~· Expected Hours 1 for pre jog a thon. 4 for During Jog a thon to tally lap counts. 3 hours after the jog a thon to tally lap counts and money collected in spreadsheet.~~

DURING THE JOG A THON

~~Foodie~~

~~· Buys* and Prepares sliced oranges – 6 sections to an orange. (figure 3/4 orange per student.) Can be done at home ahead of time. Place oranges in bags and delivers to PCA.~~

* Paid by PCA - Submit a receipt and reimbursement.

~~· Expected Hours 1 at home slicing oranges~~

~~Refreshment Table~~ Filled

~~· Loads Water Cooler with water and ice, Sets up table, prepares and refills water cups to runners~~

~~· Set up / clean up food items~~

~~· Expected Hours – 1 (half our at beginning/ half hour at end)~~

Lap Counters

· Need 6 Total (need 5 more)

· Mark the laps on each runners back tag

· Expected Hours 4 each

Lap Tally

· Count back tag tallies on the day of the event.

· Expected hours 4 each

KBVM Sharathon

2011-09-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

Pacific Crest periodically receives free publicity and press announcements from Catholic Radio 88.3 KBVM. To help give back, and also help to keep our local Catholic Radio Station going, we have been asked to help take phone pledges. We do need your help to keep this community link strong. Also, these hours count towards your PCA volunteer hours!

As a volunteer, your job is easy - basically it's answering the phone and taking pledges. They provide a cheat sheet and script to follow. In addition, all volunteers receive a yummy breakfast and a delicious lunch.

Please sign up with Dawna Tangen she will forward you the directions. We need 4 volunteers total.

KVBM is located near the Chiles Center at the University of Portland.
Date and Time needed: October 3rd from 9 AM- Noon.